Fire Department · Combination
Los Banos Fire Department
Los Banos, CA · Merced County
Los Banos Fire Department seeks a Fire Captain with at least five years of firefighting experience and EMT certification. Salary: $91,356–$116,616 annually. Apply by July 24, 2026.
Volunteer position with no pay, requires CPAT for active roles, EMT certification preferred for firefighting role. Apply continuously.
The Los Banos Fire Department traces its roots to 1890 and protects the Merced County city of Los Banos in California's Central Valley. It operates as a combination department, running two staffed stations within the city limits.
Staffing is a mix of career and volunteer firefighters. The department has 16 paid personnel (14 shift firefighters plus a Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief), backed by 20 to 25 volunteers who respond to the stations to crew additional apparatus when needed. Daily staffing runs four to five personnel between the two stations.
The department delivers a broad range of services: fire suppression, first-responder emergency medical services, fire prevention, public education, and a variety of technical rescue operations. Its stated core values are Honor, Integrity, and Compassion.
Los Banos posts sworn firefighter, battalion chief, and command openings through the City's CalOpps/GovernmentJobs portal, and the department maintains a "Join Our Team" career page. Firefighter candidates apply online and must upload proof of the required certifications (California Firefighter I, EMT, and a current CPAT) along with a supplemental questionnaire covering the minimum qualifications.
Because the department is small, recruitments tend to be episodic and position-specific, so prospective applicants should check the City's job portal and the department career page for open filings rather than a rolling list.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- One year of paid fire suppression experience or one year of volunteer experience
- Valid California Class C driver license with Firefighter Endorsement
- State of California Firefighter I Certificate
- EMT-1 Certificate (National Registry)
- CPAT completed within 6 months prior to application
Hiring process
- Submit online application with required documentation (Firefighter I Certificate, EMT-1 Certificate, and proof of CPAT)
- Complete a supplemental questionnaire addressing the minimum qualifications
What certifications do I need to become a Los Banos firefighter?
Firefighter applicants must hold a California Firefighter I Certificate, an EMT-1 Certificate (National Registry), and a valid California Class C driver license with Firefighter Endorsement, plus a CPAT completed within six months prior to applying.
Do I need prior fire experience to apply?
Yes. The firefighter minimum qualifications call for one year of paid fire suppression experience or one year of volunteer experience, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and being at least 18 years old.
What does a Los Banos firefighter earn?
A recent City job bulletin listed the Firefighter salary at $5,458–$6,967 per month, roughly $65,496–$83,604 per year.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the City of Los Banos job portal, with required certification documents and a supplemental questionnaire attached. The department also maintains a Join Our Team career page.
Does Los Banos use volunteer firefighters?
Yes. The department is a combination agency: 16 career personnel are augmented by 20 to 25 volunteer firefighters who respond to staff additional apparatus when needed.